Galloway, N.J. — Michael Barany, director of the Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC), was both honored and humbled when he learned he was the recipient of the "Best Partner in Service to Veterans" award from the New Jersey American Legion.

Barany, who joined Stockton in October 2021, was given the award during the American Legion's 2023 Convention in Wildwood.

"I received this award because of the work myself and my staff in the MVSC did in hosting, supporting and feeding participants of the NJ American Legion's Veteran's Housing Symposium on Nov. 3, 2022, held at the Atlantic City campus," Barany said. "The Symposium brought together public and private veteran stakeholders to examine more long-term housing solutions rather than short-term housing options for homeless veterans."

This recognition directly relates to the work and support Stockton provides our veteran community. "The goal of the Center is to help our military-affiliated students succeed personally, academically and professionally," Barany noted. "With that in mind, we have had numerous military-affiliated students who were at risk of being homeless or were homeless, and through the MVSC's on and off-campus resources, we were able to help these students find housing. Even though we were able to help our students, some of the solutions were short-term fixes to a long-term housing problem. When our students don't have to worry or stress about their living situation, they can better focus on themselves and their academic work."

In March, Stockton earned top honors for its outreach to military veterans by receiving the Military Friendly School Gold designation. It’s the second year in a row the school accepted a Military Friendly designation, but the first time it received the Gold award.

Barany is no stranger to the challenges this specific group of students may face. "I love working with Stockton's military-affiliated students and helping in their journey through higher education and seeing their growth not only as a student but as a person," he reflected. "I like being the person able to help our students out when they are in need or feeling lost because it was someone in a position I am in now that assisted and encouraged me to stay in college after I was having a difficult transition into higher ed after leaving the Army in 2011 and wanted to drop out. I would not be here now if it weren't for that intervention. I like being that person for Stockton's military-affiliated students-- able to encourage, mentor, and guide them."

Learn more about Stockton’s Military and Veteran services here.

Reported by Mandee McCullough

Photo submitted